Babysitter Interviewing Tips

Most mothers feel that their children are much too young and dependent to hand them over to a child-minder, even for a few hours! While research suggests that babies and children whose mums go out to work generally thrive in good quality childcare. Nobody can essentially replace a mother, but every once in a while you need a nanny to care for your children in your absence.

I started my search a few weeks ago when I had an unavoidable appointment at a clinic for some blood-work and I found myself on my own with two young toddlers. The result? I did find myself a nice babysitter, and though I was happy with her records, I decided to take her along with me and the kids. As she entertained the kids in the waiting room, I was assured of my choice and decided to share my tips with you.

Here's a basic list of questions that will help you engage the Nanny in detailed conversation about her professional and personal background.

Questions to ask a potential Babysitter

What kind of experience do you have? How long have you been a nanny? Why did you choose to be a nanny?

Why do you enjoy this work? What do you think children like best about you?

What was your last childcare experience? Why did it end? What were the ages of the children you cared for?

Name a few activities that my children might be doing on any day if you were their nanny?

How do you feel about performing light housekeeping?

Can you cook? What type of breakfast/ meal would you make for ____ (age) child?

Do you have emergency training? At what point would you call a pediatrician or 911? Have you ever had to handle an emergency? How did you handle it?

Can you drive? Do you have a driving record?

How would you discipline the child in a challenging situation? (a trained childcare worker would never use physical punishment as a form of discipline)

After you've studied her answers at the end, don't forget to check with the local authorities, nanny agency, references, Motor Vehicle Department etc. to confirm her trust-worthiness. In the end the best piece of advise I can give you is to follow your gut instinct. You will know immediately if this is a person you can trust/ work along side. Go with your gut its very rarely wrong.